The number of U.S. cases now stands at more than nine thousand — doubling in just two days. Now, even tougher restrictions are being rolled out to stop the spread, as the virus makes its way to Capitol Hill for the first time.
Florida's largest county inched closer to economic shutdown Thursday as Miami-Dade County's mayor ordered all beaches, parks and “non-essential” commercial and retail businesses closed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
"We must all act as if we are infected and take every precautionary step to prevent transmitting this virus," Mayor Carlos Gimenez said in his announcement of the closures, which appear to go beyond other state and local orders in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis already ordered bars closed and restaurants to limit seating, while some municipal governments have limited eateries to take-out and delivery.
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Gimenez's order allows several businesses to remain open, including health care providers, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and banks.
The closing of private beaches will remain at the discretion of the owners, the mayor said.
“I know it is very frustrating that we have new closures every day, but they are vital to protecting everyone in our County,” Gimenez said in a statement. “Each and every one of us must take personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus."
A state of emergency was declared in Miami-Dade County on March 12. Gimenez has ordered all food service establishments, bars and clubs in Miami-Dade County to close their doors to on-premises service. Restaurant kitchens may remain open for takeout and delivery. In addition, libraries, movie theaters, gymnasiums, fitness studios, bowling alleys, concert houses, playhouses and arcades must also close. Community centers that serve seniors are also closed until further notice.
Gimenez has also prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people in any parks, beaches or recreation facilities owned or operated by the county.
The vast majority of people recover in about two weeks from this illness with no more than a fever and a cough, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause severe illness requiring care at hospitals where beds and protective gear are in short supply.
Florida's economy depends heavily on tourism, but in the last several days its theme parks have closed, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, cruises have shut down and Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach have shooed away thousands of spring breakers. Several cities have closed their beaches and others are expected to follow.
Amid all that, the Florida Legislature is expected to pass Thursday a $93 billion budget that relies on the sales, lodging and other taxes that tourists pay. House members are being screened for the disease before they are allowed into their chamber.
They answered a series of questions about whether they've recently traveled oversees, been on a cruise ship or attended large gatherings. They looked into facial scanner that recorded their temperature.
"It's the only test I've taken since grad school that I've been nervous about. I wanted a low number," said Rep. Michael Grant, who owns an ambulance service. He passed.
The number of confirmed cases in Florida approached 400 on Thursday, about half of them concentrated in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
